| Many cat enthusiasts feel that having a single cat is the ideal situation. For other cat lovers though, the more cats, the better. Making the choice to add another cat to your household involves a number of considerations. Not only are there many wonderful cat breeds to choose from, but perhaps more importantly, most cats enjoy the companionship of other cats, and that may include your own.
Always Room For 1 More?
Is adding a new cat right for the cat you already own? If your cat is home alone for long periods of time and seems to be lonely, he may be happier having another cat around. An older cat will often develop a new lease on life when a kitten joins the family. However, cats who enjoy their solitude or are very territorial towards their homes and families may not appreciate another cat coming to stay.
A Few Minor Inconveniences
There are also a few things for the humans in the household to consider. A new kitten could mean having to go through the hassles of litter box training once again. There is also the expense of vaccinating and neutering your kitten. Adding an older cat to the family can also be a challenge, as the cat will have to make adjustments to a new home and could develop behavioral or health problems.
Cat Compatibility
Although some people feel that their own cats will be more at home with a cat of the same breed, lots of cats are quite happy hanging out with other cat breeds. Of course, a standoffish Russian Blue will be unlikely to bond well with a boisterous, clownish Rex cat. Cat breeds with similar traits do better together than cats with opposite traits. Himalayan Persian and Maine Coon cats are so relaxed and friendly that they adapt well to life with even the most demanding or rambunctious cats.
Bringing Up Baby
Before you bring your new cat home, you will need to set up a special area for him to stay in while he adjusts. You may even want to put him in a crate, especially if you are unsure whether he is litter box trained. Allow him to settle in for a few days before you set about presenting him to the rest of the household.
Introducing The New Cat
Instead of placing the cats together immediately, it's wise to allow your original cat to grow accustomed to the new arrival gradually. Give the newcomer his own litter box, toys, and food and water bowls to facilitate a smooth transition.
There are more important considerations than the fact that your cat may initially resent having to share. By giving each cat his own supplies, you can reduce the chances of your cats spreading diseases to each other, and you can more easily monitor the intake and output of each cat if they have separate litter boxes and food bowls. Ever resourceful, a cat who is forced to share a litter box may decide to create his own private litter box in another, less convenient place, such as the floor of your closet.
Your New Multi-Cat Persona
Depending on your point of view, a major disadvantage to having multiple cats can be your public image. Once you have 2 or more cats, friends and acquaintances with a stray or unwanted cat will try to convince you to add just 1 more to your family.
It's up to you to decide what will be your policy on adopting strays, and stick to it. If you add just 1 cute little kitten per year, in a decade you've got an extra 10 cats on your hands. And, trust me, your hands will be more than full. As will your house. The solution -- just say no. |